Current research

As a trained anthropologist with a strong background in archaeological sciences, I am interested in the application of isotopic analyses to primatological research. The analysis of isotope ratios in various body tissues can reveal evidence on an individuals’ diet and physiology (carbon, nitrogen, sulphur), as well as on its’ migratory behaviour (strontium) and drinking water sources (oxygen). While these techniques are well established in archaeology and palaeoanthropology, only little is known on the isotope ecology of extant great apes. The objective of my research is to investigate the possibilities and limitations of the isotope method in the study of great ape feeding behaviour, seasonality and mobility. This work includes projects on habituated and non-habituated bonobos, chimpanzees and gorillas, as well as experimental studies on captive apes in zoos.